Home | Problem-based Learning | Project-based Learning | Task-based Learning | Discussion Board | Resources Defining Project-based Learning Project-based learning seems to be the general consensus on how to adopt a Problem-based Learning style while still being able to hold onto the traditional teacher as the main resource using information style. It is somewhat confusing and a little two faced but let me try to shed some light on the matter. The Big idea behind Project -based Learning is that it is more focused on a driving question rather than an intense focus on ill-structured problems. Although the question could be and should be allowed to have different methods of solving the focus is to answer a "Driving Question."
Unlike the ill-structured problems which are best served by not having a defined answer or ending, the driving question is most likely going to have a defined outcome. An example of such a question would be; How can we know the height that an object or projectile reached? In this problem a student could use several different methods in order to solve it. It is up to the student to come up with the plan and instruments to be used in order to figure it out. The teacher again is a facilitator like in Problem-based learning rather than the instructor of knowledge. This keeps the focus on the self-directed learning that has made Problem-based Learning so much more successful in medicinal fields where it was born.
In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. Rigorous projects help students learn key academic content and practice 21st Century Skills (such as collaboration, communication & critical thinking).
General Format of Project-based Learning
The general format of Project-based Learning is like this:
Introduction of the problem or driving question
Plan out and method for solving
Highlight areas in which student lacks skills or information
Learn the skills needed to solve the problem
Apply learned skills to solving the problem
Re-evaluate what you have learned
This is done by having students create a presentation for the class on the outcome of their project
Present to class/school/a career professional from the discussed field of study.
During this whole process the student should be revising and reflecting constantly.
Developing your projectHelpful tools/hints on developing a good project for your students. I found the following documents off of the Buck Institute for Education website to be very helpful.
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Defining Project-based Learning
Project-based learning seems to be the general consensus on how to adopt a Problem-based Learning style while still being able to hold onto the traditional teacher as the main resource using information style. It is somewhat confusing and a little two faced but let me try to shed some light on the matter. The Big idea behind Project -based Learning is that it is more focused on a driving question rather than an intense focus on ill-structured problems. Although the question could be and should be allowed to have different methods of solving the focus is to answer a "Driving Question."
Unlike the ill-structured problems which are best served by not having a defined answer or ending, the driving question is most likely going to have a defined outcome. An example of such a question would be; How can we know the height that an object or projectile reached? In this problem a student could use several different methods in order to solve it. It is up to the student to come up with the plan and instruments to be used in order to figure it out. The teacher again is a facilitator like in Problem-based learning rather than the instructor of knowledge. This keeps the focus on the self-directed learning that has made Problem-based Learning so much more successful in medicinal fields where it was born.
For a formal definition I am taking it from the Buck Institute for Education website:
In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. Rigorous projects help students learn key academic content and practice 21st Century Skills (such as collaboration, communication & critical thinking).
General Format of Project-based Learning
The general format of Project-based Learning is like this:
During this whole process the student should be revising and reflecting constantly.
Developing your projectHelpful tools/hints on developing a good project for your students.
I found the following documents off of the Buck Institute for Education website to be very helpful.
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License. (Privacy Policy)
Here is a lesson that I created using the above 'Project Planning Form.'
EXAMPLE VIDEOS OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
A View into the Team ideas for solving the problem at hand.
Driving Question: How can we find the height reached by a rocket that is launched without a parachute?
Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4